J U L Y - 2 0 2 1
Common Household Materials Which are
Spontaneously Combustible
As we continue to move into the summer months, the nice weather entices many homeowners to take to the great outdoors to work on projects that have been neglected during the winter. Maybe painting or staining the backyard deck or fence, refinishing some patio furniture, landscaping projects around the yard and garden, or maintaining a swimming pool. While these activities seem harmless enough, the materials used in these activities can present the homeowner with some serious consequences if they are unaware of the dangers presented by some common everyday products.
Those of us who work in hazardous materials related industries and have received training are familiar with Division 4.2 Spontaneously Combustible Materials. As defined in 49 CFR 173.124(b), some of the products we use are “substances which are liable to spontaneous heating under normal conditions encountered in transport, or to heating up in contact with air and being then liable to catch fire.” 

However, the average homeowner is not a hazmat professional and is not necessarily aware of the potential dangers normal everyday products can provide. An average of 1,700 home fires per year are caused by instances of spontaneous combustion or chemical reaction of common household products.

Let’s take a look at a few of the most common culprits when it comes to these combustions.
Are Marine Pollutants Regulated in Non-Bulk Packaging?
Our regulatory specialists are often asked if marine pollutants in non-bulk packagings are regulated. The answer is simple: it depends.
Whether a marine pollutant is regulated or not depends on the mode of transport used and the capacity of the packaging the material is offered in. Under certain conditions, marine pollutants are not regulated at all by the 49 CFR. By all modes, there are exceptions for shipping smaller quantities of marine pollutants. 
Hot Stuff!
Elevated Temperature Materials
In addition to the requirements in the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) for shipping hazardous materials, elevated temperature materials have some additional communication requirements (e.g., marks, placards, and documentation) that shippers must be aware of in order to offer shipments that are not only safe but compliant with the Hazardous Materials Regulations as well.
For starters, let us take a look at the definition of elevated temperature materials per 49 CFR 171.8.
HAZMAT in the News
Fuel tanker drifts into the median and explodes on Michigan's I-75.
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July Prize:
$25.00 GrubHub Gift Card

July Survey Question:
Dangerous Goods meet the criteria of one or more of nine UN hazard classes according to the provisions of federal and international regulations.

Which hazard class(es) best describes your personality and why?


Drawing submission deadline is Friday, July 23rd, 2021.
June Survey Results:
IATA was the #1 most mentioned response to last month's survey. Thanks for participating!
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